The Gophers lost only two players from their offensive line to graduation this season. Both players were in and out of the lineup due to injuries and were replaced by younger players that make the Gophers offensive line one of the most impressive groups in the conference.

The depth and talent returning for the Gophers did not stop the team from getting a couple commitments for the 2014 class.

Connor Mayes, younger brother of Alex, is a highly decorated high school offensive lineman from Van Alstyne, Texas. He has 18 other offers, including Baylor, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas Christian and Texas A&M. He has been one of the most outspoken recruits on social media about how solid his commitment is to Minnesota. He will sign with Minnesota on signing day.

The other commitment is unheralded offensive tackle Luke Rasmussen from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wisc. He received a two-star rating from Rivals, but has not been rated by ESPN. He received offers from 14 other schools, including mostly from the MAC and FCS.

The Gophers remain in contention for Frank Ragnow from Chanhassen High School in Victoria, Minn. He has cut his list to three and will choose between the Gophers, Arkansas and Florida State.

Despite committing to Bowling Green, Jared Weyler from Centerville High School in Dayton, Ohio is reportedly on his visit to Minnesota. Rivals list Minnesota and Miami (OH) as possible destinations for him.

According to Rivals, the Gophers offered 15 offensive line recruits in this class a scholarship. Just Ragnow remains uncommitted. Of the 12 commits not going to Minnesota, six pledged to Big Ten schools and one from Minnesota (J.C. Hassenauer from East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn. to Alabama) committed outside the conference.

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Joseph has a Bachelor's of Arts in Media Production with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the 2004 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament. He grew up playing football, baseball and hockey. Contact Joseph.